What double rub rating do I need for a sofa or chair I use every day?

For everyday family furniture, look for 15,000 to 30,000 double rubs at minimum. With kids, pets, or heavy use, choose 30,000 and up. Commercial and hospitality projects should start at 30,000.

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Fabrics by Durability Ratings

Q: Is a higher double rub rating always better?

Past about 50,000 double rubs the differences stop mattering for home furniture. At that point choose based on feel, color, and cleanability.

Abrasion testing is done by rubbing a fabric to determine how long the fabric will last before showing wear. The higher the rub count, the longer it will last. There are two standard methods of testing: Wyzenbeek and Martindale. Look for the terms Double Rubs or DR. Typically when a fabric is an upholstery fabric it will always have a double rub rating, however some drapery fabrics will also show a double rub test rating which are typically in the range of 10,000 or less.

Heavy Duty Fabrics

21,000 to 50,000 Double Rubs
Residential and Commercial use. Fabrics that can withstand kids and pets (with exceptions of course).

High Performance Fabrics

51,000 to 80,000 Double Rubs
Resisdential upholstery for regular use. Office and Public Seating

High Wear Commercial Upholstery Fabrics

80,000+ Double Rubs
Commercial grade heavy duty fabrics.

Light Duty Fabrics

5,000 to 9,000 Double Rubs
Multipurpose fabrics for occasional use furniture and pillows.

Medium Duty Fabrics

10,000 to 20,000 Double Rubs
Upholstery fabrics for the home.

Durables IV

Charlotte Fabrics Durables IV Contract and commercial patterns, colors and textures.

Endurepel Fabrics

ABBEYSHEA Endurepel™ Fabrics includes performance finish that makes furniture easier to clean and features anti-microbial and anti-backterial properties.

Fundamentals - Contract

Scalamandre Fabrics Fundamentals - Contract includes a range of contract grade upholstery fabrics.

Weekend Retreat Collection

Linen-look and Slubby Textures 100,000 Double Rubs FR

Performance Fabric Questions

What does "double rub" mean?

A double rub is one back-and-forth pass of a mechanical abrasion tester rubbing against the fabric — the industry's way of simulating wear from sitting down and getting up. The higher the number, the longer the fabric holds up. A rating of 15,000 double rubs is considered heavy duty for home use, and many performance fabrics test at 50,000 to 100,000 or more.

What rating do I need for a sofa or chair I use every day?

For everyday family furniture, look for 15,000 to 30,000 double rubs at minimum. If kids, pets, or a favorite recliner are involved, 30,000 and up buys peace of mind. Dining chairs and occasional seating can go lower; commercial and hospitality projects should start at 30,000.

What is performance fabric?

Performance fabric combines a high durability rating with practical finishes — stain resistance, liquid repellency, easy cleaning, and fade resistance. Brands like Crypton and Sunbrella built their names on it, but many of our durability-rated fabrics deliver the same qualities.

Is a higher double rub rating always better?

Not necessarily. Past about 50,000 double rubs, the differences stop mattering for home furniture — at that point pick the fabric you love based on feel, color, and cleanability. Durability gets a fabric to the finish line, but you still have to live with it every day.